News: November 22nd, mark your calendars.

Microsoft has finally announced the official release date of the Xbox 360. Get ready.

Gamers in America will be able to procure their 360 on November 22, three days before the Holiday shopping season begins. Next, on December 2, the Xbox 360 invades Europe. And finally, on December 10, Japanese gamers can get their hands on the first next-gen console.

Retail pricing for the Japanese market has also been released. If you reside across the Pacific expect to pay 37,900 Yen (or roughly $340) for the Xbox 360 with the hard drive and wireless controller.

This news comes in advance of the Tokyo Game Show, which starts Friday. On that note, the following Xbox 360 games will be on hand for the public to sample, some in playable form, others on video only. Games with an asterix have not been confirmed for American distribution yet.